American actor RJ Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed television series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34.

He died at his home in Brownsville, Texas, on October 12, 2026. His representative confirmed that he died by suicide.

Born Roy Frank Mitte III on August 21, 1992, in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three.

Despite the challenges associated with the condition, he built a career in acting and became an advocate for greater representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

Mitte rose to international recognition through Breaking Bad, the crime drama that aired from 2008 to 2013.

He played Walter White Jr., the son of chemistry teacher-turned-drug manufacturer Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston. His character also had cerebral palsy and used crutches, although Mitte did not require walking aids in his teenage years.

His performance was noted for bringing greater visibility to actors with disabilities on mainstream television. The role earned him the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 2013 Media Access Awards.

He was subsequently named a spokesperson for actors with disabilities by the Screen Actors Guild.

Following the success of Breaking Bad, Mitte continued to work across television and film.

His credits included the series Switched at Birth and The Guardians of Justice, as well as films such as Who’s Driving Doug, Standing Up for Sunny, The Oak Room, The Unseen and Triumph. He also served as an executive producer on Triumph, a coming-of-age drama released in 2021.

Beyond his acting career, Mitte worked to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.

He served as a celebrity ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and founded the Mitte Foundation, an organisation focused on disability advocacy.

Through his public appearances and professional work, he spoke about inclusion and the need for people with disabilities to have greater opportunities in the arts and media.

His early life was marked by personal challenges. After his mother became paralysed, Mitte took on financial responsibility for his family at the age of 13, helping support his mother and younger sister.

He later moved to Los Angeles with his family in 2006 to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Mitte was engaged to his longtime partner, Kennedy Suarez. The couple announced their engagement in October 2025.

Following news of his death, his Breaking Bad co-stars, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Dean Norris, paid tribute to him.

Cranston, who played his on-screen father, remembered Mitte for his determination and the way he approached the challenges he faced. Actors Marlee Matlin and Lea Thompson, his co-stars in Switched at Birth, also shared tributes.

Mitte’s career extended beyond the success of a single television role. Through his work as an actor and disability rights advocate, he helped bring conversations about representation and inclusion to a wider audience.

His portrayal of Walter White Jr. remains closely associated with Breaking Bad, while his advocacy reflected a commitment to creating more opportunities for performers with disabilities.